When logging on to windows, I get a pop up, what does this mean?

Leslie,

I’m leaving all of the information I posted below because some of it may be useful. But, before I posted it I decided to Google and see if I could find anything about your “problem”. It looks like you may have your Vista Windows settings set to automatically look for problems and recommend solutions. This is the information I found and the link.

Report problems and check for solutions automatically Applies to all editions of Windows Vista. Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

If a program stops working or responding, Windows can automatically report the problem and check for a solution.

1. Open Problem Reports and Solutions by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Problem Reports and Solutions.

2. In the left pane, click Change settings.

3. Select Check for solutions automatically (recommended), and then click OK. You’ll be notified if there are steps you can take to prevent or solve the problem, or if Microsoft needs more information to find or create a solution.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/d97ba15e-9806-4ff3-8ead-71b8d62123fe1033.mspx

I don’t know anything about Vista, I use XP. It may be a legitimate Vista Windows pop up or it may be the result of spyware/adware having gotten on to your computer.

You might check to see if Vista allows you to “Disk Cleanup” and “Disk Defrag” similar to the XP method below:

If you’re running XP, try the following:

Go to:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup

After that is done, go to:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter

I believe that with both of the above you can still be using your computer while they are performing their task.

  HOWEVER, first I’d do the following:

You should have a good anti-virus program that you run at least once a week (daily if other people use your computer or you do a lot of browsing and downloading on the net).

You should also have a good spyware program which you should run at least once a week.

You should also have a good Registry Cleaner program which you should run at least once a week.

I use all of the programs listed below. Besides being good programs, and FREE, you also have the ability to continue working on your computer (online or offline) while the program is running.

AVG is a FREE anti-virus program that is excellent

http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition

Spybot - Search & Destroy removes spyware and it’s FREE.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

Ad-aware removes spyware and it’s FREE!

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Eusing Free Registry Cleaner is good and relatively fast.

http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm

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